Jones returns to lineup for opener of doubleheader

BALTIMORE -- Adam Jones returned to the Orioles starting lineup for the opener of Sunday's doubleheader against the Indians, batting third and playing center field.

Jones, who has been dealing with right shoulder soreness, returned to the lineup for the first time since June 20 and went 0-for-4 in the Orioles' 4-0 win over the Indians. He had not played the field since June 15, but was able to avoid the disabled list.

"We will see about whether it's one game or two, we will see how it goes in the first game," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of Jones, who has been pain-free for three days. "We've been cautious with it. Who knows what's going to happen today. It's a different speed. I don't know what else you can go off of."

Jones was not in the starting lineup for the second game of Sunday's doubleheader. David Lough took Jones' place in center field.

Jones did some throwing on Saturday and said he felt like, had the game been played, he could have started. The All-Star hopeful is batting .298 with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs this season and had missed just five games in the previous three years combined, prompting him to joke about starting anew to chase Cal Ripken Jr.'s record.

Prior to Sunday's first game of the doubleheader, Jones said he has no limitations physically and was obviously pretty anxious to get back out on the field.

"Time heals all wounds," he said.